Page 26 of His Godsent Duchess
Their journey continued until they reached the first tenant's home, a small but well-kept cottage nestled amongst the rolling hills. As they alighted from the carriage, Kitty's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Mother," she said eagerly, "may I introduce you to the tenants? I should like to do it properly."
Christina's heart warmed at the request. "Of course, Kitty. I would be most honored."
Inside the cottage, Mrs. Danvers greeted them with a warm smile and a deep curtsy. Kitty's smile broadened with pride. "This is the Duchess of Kilton."
Mrs. Danvers's eyes brightened with excitement, and she curtsied again, deeper this time. ""Your Grace, it is a pleasure beyond words to meet you. Oh, how wonderful for the estate to have a new duchess! Please, do come in. I have tea and biscuits prepared."
"Thank you, Mrs. Danvers," Christina replied with a gracious nod as she took a seat.
The girls eagerly helped themselves to the biscuits, their laughter filling the room as Mrs. Danvers poured the tea. "Mr. Danvers is out with His Grace, inspecting the fields. He would have been delighted to meet you today, Your Grace."
So that's where he is.Christina's heart fluttered at the mention of Victor. She gave a polite smile, masking her mild disappointment that he had not joined them for breakfast. "I am sure we shall meet in due course."
As they left the Danvers' home, Christina glanced toward the open fields, her eyes searching for a glimpse of her husband among the workers. However, the men she saw were unfamiliar, and Victor was nowhere to be found. Sighing inwardly, she climbed back into the carriage, pushing thoughts of him aside for the moment.
They continued visiting tenants, each one as welcoming as the last. It was only when they arrived at the village of Willsbury that Christina felt a wave of charm and delight wash over her.
The square was a lovely scene of bustling activity. Cobbled streets wound between quaint shops adorned with bright flowers. In the center of the square stood a statue of a local hero, surrounded by benches where villagers sat in cheerful conversation.
The girls' faces lit up as they took in the lively village. "We are rarely allowed to come to Willsbury," Kitty confided. "I'm so glad we're here today."
They wandered through the square, pausing to purchase warm pastries from a bakery, which they enjoyed together at a small table outside. The sun shone brightly, and the air was filled with laughter and joy.
As they were preparing to leave, Christina's attention was caught by a modest little bookstore tucked in a corner of the square. She hesitated for only a moment before deciding to enter.
The inside of the shop was cozy, the smell of old paper and leather-bound books filling the air. A bespectacled man behind the counter looked up from his ledger as they entered, a broad smile spreading across his face.
"Good day, ladies," he greeted. "I am Mr. Stone, the proprietor of this humble establishment. How may I assist you?"
"Good day, Mr. Stone," Christina replied with a polite smile. "I am the new Duchess of Kilton and was wondering if you had any children's books."
At her words, Mr. Stone's face lit up with excitement. "The Duchess of Kilton! What an honor, Your Grace. It is wonderful for the estate, and indeed the entire realm, to have a new duchess. We have been most eager to meet you."
Christina blushed at the man's enthusiasm. "You are too kind, Mr. Stone. Your shop is charming."
He beamed with pride. "Anything you desire from these shelves, Your Grace, is yours. It would be my greatest pleasure to provide it."
Christina smiled warmly at his generosity as she began to explore the shop. The girls followed close behind, chattering animatedly as they inspected the various titles.
"I must say," Mr. Stone remarked, glancing at the girls, "the Duke's daughters seem happier than I've ever seen them. It's clear they are flourishing under your care."
Agnes, never one to hold back, blurted out, "That's because we have a new mother now!"
Both Christina and Mr. Stone shared a fond smile. "I am glad to hear it," Christina said softly, brushing a hand over Agnes's hair.
As she continued, a particular book caught Christina's eye. She reached for it, her fingers lightly tracing the spine as a small smile tugged at her lips.
Eleven
As Victor approached the drawing room, he was greeted by a chorus of giggles filtering through the half-open door. He paused for a moment, then heard someone whisper, "Father is coming!" His initial instinct was to slow his steps and eavesdrop on whatever mischief they were concocting, but that would only confirm that he had overheard them. He straightened his shoulders and continued, his steps deliberate, giving no indication of his awareness.
When he entered, Agnes scrambled to sit beside Katherine, all of his daughters wearing faces of pure innocence. It was a sight that immediately raised his suspicions. His eyes swept the room, noting the absence of his wife.Where is Christina?he wondered, though his focus quickly returned to the little imps seated before him, their expressions far too angelic for his liking.
"I trust you all had a good day?" he ventured, raising an eyebrow.
They nodded and smiled, though no one spoke. That alone was cause for concern. These were his daughters—lively, mischievous creatures who could hardly sit still for more than a moment. Silence, especially this collective silence, was unnatural.
